Sophie coughed lightly. "What happened to me?"Zaylee took her hand, her face filled with worry, "Mrs. Warren, you fainted. Thankfully, we found you in time. Are you hungry, Mrs. Warren? I can go get you something to eat."Zaylee glanced at Yaslyn and asked, "Yaslyn, can you come with me?"Yaslyn nodded as she glanced at Xoan, wanting to escape the awkward atmosphere among them."Alright."After stepping outside, Zaylee bought a heap of food as if she truly cared for Sophie. However, Yaslyn knew that a patient who had just woken up could not eat all this. Unsure of what Zaylee was up to, Yaslyn kept quiet.When they reached the door, Zaylee suddenly claimed her stomach was hurting and said she needed to buy some medicine but would be right back."Yaslyn, could you please give this food to Mrs. Warren?" she said, smiling apologetically.Yaslyn finally understood her intent and agreed, "Alright."Taking the bag of food, she went straight in.Zaylee waited a moment outside befor
Seeing Xoan's reaction, Yaslyn suddenly lost interest."Mr. Warren, you're always ready to act nobly," she remarked sarcastically.Xoan replied, "Zaylee's family has been having some issues lately. Three million dollars might be difficult for her, so I'll transfer it to you."Yaslyn knew what was happening, so she was intentionally hostile toward Zaylee. However, Yaslyn felt no need to continue the act after seeing Xoan stand up for her."No need, Mr. Warren. Keep it," Yaslyn said, realizing she did not want the money.Feeling like an outsider watching the interaction between Xoan and Zaylee, Yaslyn paused before turning and leaving the room. She felt calm without their presence.Yaslyn wandered into the garden to clear her mind and saw a group of people surrounding a young girl, seemingly ready to approach her."What are you doing?" Yaslyn asked.She grabbed the reaching hand of a man who seemed ready to touch the girl and yanked him aside, positioning herself protectively in
After some thought, Yaslyn drove to the Dark Night Bar. The place was bustling with noisy patrons, and the flickering lights made it hard to recognize faces. Yaslyn studied the location on her phone and finally spotted the young girl not far away.She had shed her innocent student appearance. She was dressed as a maid, seated beside a customer who was forcing her to drink.Was that really the same girl?Yaslyn watched her drink in pain and was forced to smile, her heart aching at the sight.Yaslyn wanted to help the girl because her father had died in a similar situation—sick, without the money to pay for treatment. Yaslyn had been helpless, only able to watch him die in his hospital bed.That was why she had to earn money, excel, and have the capability to protect those around her.Yaslyn approached, grabbing the girl's arm and pulling her to her feet."It's you..." the girl said, eyes wide."Ruby, is this your friend?" slurred the drunk man, eyeing Yaslyn's beautiful face and
When Yaslyn woke up, Xoan was seated by her bedside. He looked as if he waited for a long time."Why are you here?" she asked, remembering how close she was to dying in the cold storage room."Did you save me?""Just rest. Don't worry so much," Xoan said, handing her a cup of warm water, his voice devoid of emotion."The doctor said you must stay in bed for a few days. Call me if you need anything, and don't try to tough it out alone."Although his words sounded harsh, Yaslyn's resistance toward him lessened, knowing he saved her life. She nodded and took a sip of water.After a while, her curiosity got the better of her. "How did you find me? Did you put a tracker on me or something?" she asked."What tracker?""How did you know I was there? I didn't send you a distress signal," Yaslyn questioned."A girl called me. She told me you were in trouble at the Dark Night Bar and asked me to save you," Xoan replied.Yaslyn's mind clicked, and she immediately thought of Ruby. Ruby m
Sophie glanced at Zaylee, her eyes filled with disappointment. Why did Zaylee not explain things clearly, causing her to misunderstand Yaslyn?"Yaslyn really doesn't like me, and I have no other way to make her like me. I just wanted her to feel a little better," Zaylee confessed, biting her lower lip. Her voice sounded pained, and her eyes were red from crying. Zaylee continued, "I didn't think this wouldn't make her forgive me."Sophie knew Zaylee was telling the truth and could only sigh. "You can't hit yourself, my dear. You'll hurt yourself. You're such a silly girl."Yaslyn glanced at them with a smirk. She saw right through Zaylee's act of playing the weak victim."Alright, if there's nothing else, you should leave now, Mrs. Warren. You should rest, not run around."Sophie felt awkward but knew she had jumped to conclusions, misunderstanding Yaslyn. She left with Zaylee, feeling both embarrassed and helpless.Yaslyn closed her eyes, but soon after, a knock on the door di
"I am a person first, and then a doctor. People have desires, and so do I."Yaslyn's phone rang, displaying Ruby's name. She took a deep breath."Fine, I agree.""Don't think about going back on your word after the surgery. Ruby's mom's aftercare will take at least three months," Yerick warned."I know, so hurry up," Yaslyn replied coldly."Don't be so fierce. I'm your boyfriend now. You should be gentler with me."Yerick stretched again, standing up. "Alright, I'm off to do the surgery. Wait for me."He pinched her cheek with a smile and left, leaving Yaslyn feeling utterly disgusted. However, she was in no position to refuse his demands. Having finally saved Ruby's mother, she could not let Ruby down.Yaslyn joined Ruby outside the operating room, comforting the tearful girl with a gentle hug. "It's going to be okay.""My mom's not going to leave me, is she?" Ruby sobbed."No, she'll always be with you," Yaslyn assured her.The surgery lasted nearly ten hours. Yerick emerg
Xoan had to admit that he could not stand it for another minute."I have to endure it for a couple of days. Right now, Yerick has something on me."Yaslyn looked up, not knowing why she wanted to explain it to Xoan. His expression made her feel inexplicably guilty."What does he have on you?""I helped a young girl save her mother, and now, Yerick is threatening me with it. I need to transfer her mother out of the hospital before I can break up with him. Otherwise, I'm afraid he might do something without anyone knowing."Yaslyn had already thought it through. As soon as she could distract Yerick for a few days and arrange the transfer, she would immediately break up with him."I'll help you," Xoan said thoughtlessly."I can handle it myself," Yaslyn replied, looking at Xoan, whose expression seemed slightly off.She smiled and teased, "Xoan, you don't happen to like me, do you?"Xoan did not rush to deny it. He looked at her and said seriously, "I have to admit it. I do like
"That's not pushing you away," Zoe insisted, "I'm advising you to think carefully. You're young. There are so many wonderful things in this world, so why must you cling to Xoan?"Her words were interrupted by a sharp male voice from the doorway."It's not her clinging to me. It's that I like her."Xoan stood there furiously as he listened to Zoe's attempts to persuade Yaslyn to give him up."Xoan, you're here..."Zoe became awkward, knowing Xoan had heard some of the conversation.Yaslyn could not describe what she felt. Her ears tinged with red."Don't come looking for Yaslyn again. Who I like is my business, and whether Yaslyn is there or not, I will never like Zaylee. Stop trying to persuade me."Xoan's voice was icy, standing in front of Yaslyn protectively.Seeing Xoan so infatuated with Yaslyn, Zoe's hatred for Yaslyn grew.Zoe's tone was no longer gentle and kind. "Your mother will never agree to you being together. You can only marry Zaylee."Xoan smiled mockingly. "
Whitey glanced back and forth between them, shaking her head. "You two are a mystery."Suddenly, Doniel stood and waved Whitey over. "Hey, Whitey. Come here for a second."Confused but compliant, Whitey walked over.In a swift move, Doniel took her hand. With a smug look at Matheo, he announced, "I'm taking Whitey off your hands for a bit."Matheo's expression turned steely. "What's your game?""Don't sweat it, she'll be back soon."With that, Doniel led Whitey out.They reached a more secluded spot before Doniel finally released her hand. "Whitey, you're not hurt, right?"Whitey shook her head, twirling in front of him to prove her point. "See? I'm totally fine."Doniel reached out and gently tapped her forehead. "Someone hit you, didn't they? Your face is still swollen, and here you are, telling me it's nothing."Whitey playfully stuck out her tongue. "I just didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm not the one who got seriously hurt. It was Matheo.""I know. Matheo really d
"Don't make that call!" Whitey screamed in a panic.A harsh slap struck her face as the ringleader yelled, "Shut it, woman! Who said you could talk?"The man, not satisfied after hitting her, gave in to his fury and kicked her. However, before he knew it, Matheo, who was standing nearby, had silently moved behind him. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed as Matheo snapped the man's fingers with raw force.Matheo wrapped his arms around Whitey and quickly retreated."I can't take it! I'm done. I don't want anything else. Just do it!"The ringleader was seething with rage, the throbbing in his fingers ruining his will to fight Matheo.A few thugs had been itching for a reason to go after Matheo, and they wasted no time grabbing their weapons and launching an assault.Matheo fought back while dragging Whitey out of harm's way, but as the fight dragged on, he started losing ground.A vicious knife cut to Matheo's leg sent him tumbling down with a grunt."Matheo!"Whitey crouched beside
Whitey shook her head. She did not have a clue, and even if she could guess, she did not know what to do about it."I was actually about to..."Before Matheo could finish, a deafening crash rang out.Startled, Whitey clapped her hands over her ears. Matheo wrapped her in his arms and glanced at the rear window.A random stone had shattered the car's back glass, leaving a gaping hole.The chaos erupted out of nowhere, catching both of them off guard. They had been deep in conversation when suddenly, a line of cars barricaded the road, trapping them.Matheo gently patted her head, a silent plea for calm.Whitey, frantic, nodded and fumbled for her phone, only to find it had mysteriously powered down."Stay put in the car and don't worry," Matheo said, handing her his phone."If things go south, call the cops, call anyone."He was ready to step out and face the unknown threat head-on.Whitey protested. "Matheo, we don't know what we're dealing with. Don't just rush out there."
Whitey was back to her usual routine—classes by day, radio station by night. However, she had a luxury she did not have previously. A private car service, ensuring her safety was never in question.Doniel's lips were sealed, not breathing a word of her injury to anyone. Except for Matheo, who had somehow stumbled upon the secret.That night, after her radio gig, Whitey stepped out expecting to see the familiar pink sports car tucked away in its usual spot. However, it was nowhere in sight.Moreover, he had not even bothered to call her. A knot of worry formed in her stomach. Did something happen to him?Whitey had called his number three, maybe four times, but got nothing.As she was wrestling with her thoughts, a familiar yet unsettling figure approached her.Matheo.Why was he there?Nobody knew about Whitey's job at the radio station except Doniel."Doniel's tied up today, so I'm your ride," Matheo said.Alarm bells rang in Whitey's head. How did Matheo know about Doniel
The nurse nodded, gesturing for Doniel to give them some space.Once the bandaging was complete, Doniel returned with a treat—Whitey's beloved chocolate cupcakes."For you. Why didn't you say it hurt? He was so rough, and yet you asked me not to hold it against him."Whitey, her mouth full of frosting, mumbled a reply. "It's not that bad. Besides, you two are usually on good terms. Why fight over pointless things because of me?"Doniel tapped her head gently. "You're such a goof. What are you even talking about? Meaningless things?""I just thought that you two grew up together, so it'd be a shame to fall out over something so small, right?"Doniel huffed, "I never really cared for him, you know.""Okay, let's figure out a plan B. This mess means I might be stuck in the hospital longer, so I'm counting on you to smooth things over back home."Doniel looked at her with a teasing grin. "Relax, I've got this."Somehow, Whitey could always pick up a strange vibe from his smile, an
Whitey was injured, and Doniel rushed her to the hospital that very night. It was just a slash on her arm, but Doniel was beside himself with worry.Watching Whitey grit her teeth through the stitching, Doniel's face turned a shade of stormy gray. "I'll track down that driver's family if it's the last thing I do!"Whitey winced in pain, but seeing Doniel's fury, she tried to soothe him. "Really, it's not so bad."Doniel looked at her bandaged arm. "Thirteen stitches, Whitey. If you're not in pain, I'm in pain for both of us."Whitey was always the center of attention—a princess who was doted on from the day she was born. She had never experienced an injury as severe as that. As Doniel reached for his phone to call Whitey's parents, she quickly stopped him with a hand gesture, wincing as she accidentally grazed her wound, "Please don't call them. They'll just scold me again if they find out.""I told you to let me drive you home. Now, look at what happened because you didn't li
Whitey gripped the edge of her skirt, a new kind of worry blooming in her chest.'What if Matheo was…'She shuddered at the thought, her mind a garden where fears grew into giant oaks, so tall and dark that they scared her.Looking up again, Whitey's eyes widened as she noticed the taxi had taken a wrong turn, heading into unfamiliar territory.In the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of the driver's unsettling smirk.Taking a cab late at night was proving to be a bad idea, her heart racing with fear. If only she had accepted a ride from Doniel, none of that would happen. Regret washed over her as she scrambled for her phone, desperate to call for help.Sensing her panic, the driver floored it to a secluded spot and then abruptly stopped the car.Whitey's head snapped forward, hitting the seat, and as the world spun, her phone slipped from her grasp. Then, the driver was toying with her phone, his grin wide and wicked."Planning to call the cops or a friend, sweetheart?""
As time swiftly marched on, three years went by.Whitey nailed her entrance exam into the top university in Jefferson City—Jefferson City University.As for the others, Caleb turned 30, tied the knot, had kids, and took control of Sheldon's international ventures. He and his family packed up and moved overseas, while the rest stayed back."Thanks for tuning into 'Moonlit Wishes,' your go-to spot for all things heartfelt. I'm your host, Macie."At the stroke of ten, Macie's soothing voice filled the evening airwaves."Let's hear from our first caller tonight. Hey there, sir, what's on your mind?"Macie's voice was soothing, soft yet strong enough to coax secrets from the most guarded of hearts."Here's the thing, Macie. I've been head over heels for this girl, but she's always kept me at arm's length, saying I haven't done enough. However, today, I caught her in another guy's arms. What gives?"The man's voice quivered with barely concealed tears, slurred slightly by alcohol.M
"So, just because you're into him, you decide to set me up? How does that make any sense?"Whitey could not help but find her logic almost laughable."Because I noticed he always had a soft spot for you, jealousy clouded my judgment, and that's why I..."Jade inhaled deeply, as if bracing herself for what was to come. "Well, you've uncovered the truth, so there's no point in hiding anything. Punish me however you see fit."What was the point in pleading guilty then?Jade stood there, a mix of defiance and dignity, stubborn even in the face of her mistake.Whitey was not looking to lay blame. "I'm not going to take this to the principal, and I won't breathe a word of it to anyone else. However, as of today, our friendship is done. I'll find a new place to sit when we get back."Whitey let out a tired sigh. "There's something else you should know. He's got a girlfriend now."Jade's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, are you two an item now?""No, I'm not the one he's dating."Wi